Singapore International Film Festival 2026: Dates, Tickets, Prices & What to Watch

The 37th Singapore International Film Festival runs from 21 October to 1 November 2026. Here are the confirmed dates, ticket prices, passes and the simplest way to choose what to watch.

When is SGIFF 2026?

The 37th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) takes place from 21 October to 1 November 2026. That is earlier than the festival’s traditional late-November or early-December window, so anyone who usually waits until year-end to check the programme should take note.

Public ticket sales opened on 28 September after an early-access period on 25 September. By the time this guide is published, the festival is only days away, which makes the practical task less about waiting for the full line-up and more about checking which screenings still have seats.

How much are SGIFF tickets?

SGIFF’s official 2026 ticketing page lists a clear price structure. A General Film Ticket is S$15. Festival opening and closing screenings are S$25, Special Presentations are S$20, Junior Explorers Combo tickets are S$20, Undercurrent performances are S$20, and “In Conversation With” forum sessions are S$10.

Students, full-time National Servicemen and senior citizens aged 55 and above receive a S$2 concession on regular General Film Tickets and “In Conversation With” sessions, subject to ID checks. Those discounts do not apply to the opening, closing or Special Presentation categories.

Is the S$50 Undercurrent Pass worth it?

The new Undercurrent Pass costs S$50 and provides access to the Undercurrent programme, including live performances, subject to the pass rules and ticket availability. You still need to reserve the individual programme ticket through SGIFF.com, so the pass is not a walk-in guarantee for a full house.

It makes the most sense for viewers specifically interested in experimental moving-image work and screen-based performance. If you only want one or two conventional film screenings, buying individual S$15 tickets will usually be the simpler option.

How should you decide what to watch?

Start with the festival section rather than trying to scan every title at once. The Asian Feature Film Competition focuses on defining work by emerging and established Asian filmmakers. The Undercurrent section is the better fit if you want artist films, expanded cinema and less conventional forms. Families can look at the Junior Explorers programme and its relaxed screenings.

For Singapore audiences, it is also worth checking the country and premiere labels on each listing. SGIFF regularly mixes local, Southeast Asian and wider international work, so choosing by region, competition section or format is more useful than relying on a generic “top five” list that may not match your taste or remaining ticket availability.

How to book without getting caught out

For 2026, SGIFF says all tickets, festival passes and Rush Queue access are handled on SGIFF.com. You need an SGIFF account to manage bookings. Buy only through the festival’s official channels, especially for screenings that are close to selling out.

Check the rating, venue and start time on the individual screening page before paying. SGIFF programmes can be spread across different venues, and tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after purchase. Leave enough transfer time if you are attempting more than one screening in a day.

Best way to plan your festival week

If you are new to SGIFF, pick one must-see film first, then build around it with a second screening or forum nearby. Cinephiles who want experimental work can use the Undercurrent Pass as the anchor. Families should look specifically for Junior Explorers sessions rather than assuming every film is suitable for children.

Because the festival begins on 21 October, the highest-value step now is to check live availability and lock in anything time-sensitive. You can also compare the festival with the ongoing Singapore International Photography Festival if you want to build a broader arts weekend.